What No One Knows

I ventured into Curzon Soho over the May bank holiday for the special screening of @whatnononeknowsthemovie. As a closet movie critic, I came with an open mind and was blown away. Amazing quality of the plot, subplots, flashbacks, character arcs, and cinematography. I grew up on movies including a bold and original storytelling from the likes of Lola Fani-Kayode and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Top notch transitions of scenes stood out, smoothly moving the storyline along from young to older protagonists. The entire cast brought their A Game to a story that surely resonates with anyone having strong family values and longing for loyalty. #WNOK #TeamOriyomi #TeamIfeolu #SoConflicted At the post-screening Q&A, the passion of both co-producers was evident to us. Well deserved 10 stars.

@Netflixfilm @Amazonmgmstudios kindly help tell this the story all over the world!

This really is a standout film, easily my favourite film of 2024. A film the cast and crew should be incredibly proud of.

What No One Knows is a beautiful story of love, loss, friendship and betrayal.

I laughed, I cried and I felt a gut wrenching pain in my stomach as the story unfolded and the raw, beautiful talent of the lead characters shone through.

I identified with part of the story in the film, which only intensified the already powerful storyline.

There are few scenes that really stood out for me, which to avoid creating any spoilers I won't name. But when you see them, I would challenge any human not to feel the immense pain felt by the characters, and desperately challenging predicament they found themselves in.

I must also mention the original soundtrack of the film. It's beautiful, empowering, uplifting, but also at the same time is so desperately haunting once you're familiar with the story behind where each track appears.

All round, what an amazing film! A true accomplishment.

I'd recommend watching with friends if you can, so you can share the energy from this film together.

Written and Directed by Tope Laguda, 'What No One Knows' is a 2023 drama that stars Tope Laguda, Mofe Duncan, Adunni Ade, Enyinna Nwigwe.

The film follows the journey of two friends, Oriyomi and Ifelolu, who bond after one returns home from the UK following the loss of her parents. Although their personalities are wide apart, Oriyomi and Ifelolu become inseparable. As adulthood comes knocking, one becomes a Photographer and the other a Baker/Caterer. However, a secret agreement made between them threatens to destroy their entire relationship. As battle lines are drawn, Oriyomi and Ifelolu will go to extreme lengths to hurt each other.

This is a film with earnest performances, a hard-hitting script and a totally blast ending that will surprise everyone. Filmed on location in Nigeria, 'What No One Knows' succeeds at being a moving drama that will make you care about its characters, only for it to peel layers upon layers and unearth the reality simmering within.

The script, while skirting around the familiar, does offer something new. While the first and second acts build both the characters and the story, the third act is solely reserved for the emotional beats as the relationship between the two friends comes apart at the seams. Writer Tope Laguda manages to infuse some much-needed originality into the script and thus, the feature manages to say something grandiose about friendship by the time it ends. The dialogues are hard hitting and the transformation from script to screen is impressive which is to be expected since Tope Laguda both wrote the feature and stars in it as well. She knows where to infuse tension and drama and thus, is able to play both sides of the production really well.

In the acting department, What No One Knows manages to make a resounding mark. Tope Laguda as the adult Oriyomi is obviously fantastic and the entire feature rests on her shoulders. She is feisty when she needs to, shows emotion when the plot demands her to and is a towering presence over the entire production. Complimenting her perfectly is Adunni Ade as the adult Ifelolu Akenuwa. However, this is not all as the supporting cast do their due as well. Mofe Duncan and Enyinna Nwigwe are also great and manage to bring their characters to life with zeal and fervour. Layo Laguda as Young Oriyomi and Kelly Wekpe and Young Ifelolu manage to impress as well. The cast works together brilliantly and each character is given his or her moment to shine.

What No One Knows is a production of I Have An Idea Entertainment, helmed by Tope Laguda, who has been instrumental in bringing this project from concept to fruition. Tope Laguda, along with her husband Leke Laguda, co-owns I Have An Idea Entertainment and co-produced the film.

What No One Knows has it all; an emotional central plot made better by fantastic performances and great cinematography. The feature clearly shows that passion can make the impossible possible and what Laguda and her team have been able to achieve here is mind-blowing.

What No One Knows was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. It kept me glued to the screen throughout, trying (and failing) to predict the course of events.

The funeral scene with young Yomi was incredibly moving. Very well acted and almost impossible to believe that WNOK was her debut acting role.

Gripping story and excellent acting throughout. Definitely worth the watch! The ending was unpredictable (unlike most Nollywood movies these days). It left me with a feeling of satisfaction, having enjoyed a brilliantly written, entertaining and well acted bit of entertainment for a change.

I think it's only right to begin this review with Tope Laguda, especially after seeing the end credits for the movie. Tope delivers a powerhouse performance in What No One Knows, seamlessly balancing her roles as lead actress, writer, and director. Her portrayal is deeply compelling, drawing the audience into the film's gripping narrative with raw emotion and intensity. It's no small feat to wear so many hats in a production, but Tope executes each role with remarkable finesse.

The film is further elevated by a stellar cast. Mofe Duncan brings charisma and depth to his character, making every scene he's in memorable. Adunni Ade shines in this film with her captivating screen presence, while Enyinna Nwigwe delivers a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. Damilola Ogunsi adds weight to the story with his commanding presence, and special praise goes to Layo Laguda, whose impressive debut proves she's one to watch in the industry.

Beyond the performances, What No One Knows is a testament to masterful storytelling and top-notch production. The film's suspenseful pacing keeps viewers on edge, while the cinematography and direction create an immersive experience. The plot twists are well-executed, ensuring that audiences remain engaged from start to finish and the locations were simply breath taking. Besides a few errors common with even some of the biggest productions, the producers deserve credit for their attention to detail.

A huge shout-out to producers Tope and Leke Laguda for bringing this vision to life. Their dedication to crafting a high-quality drama is evident in every aspect of the film. What No One Knows isn't just another drama-it's a beautifully made, emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

A must-watch for fans of smart, well-executed storytelling.

Nansel Nimyel( Zdon) - Film Critic.